Re: questions about choice of root grapple

I don't find the "flats" on the end of the tines to be an issue- I guess from a strength viewpoint, I wouldrather have those "flats" as they are in essence strengthening the tines. And Ihave not had any issue grabbing roots. as for Joe's comments on the advantages of a rake as wide as your wheel footprint I'm sure that has its advantages. You only have so much HP and I think the narrower rake makes for more efficient removal as you are concentrating your power over less width-stands to reason-wider the rake, more power you need.

So everyone is clear RAKE Root Grapples are completely different from BUCKET Root Grapples. I could not pick up a stump like in the right side picture above with my RAKE style, no way. At the same time, my brush and vines would go right through A BUCKET style top clamp. It would not grip enough to pull the roots out like I do (pull from the top growth like pulling 10' weeds)

Simple. A 48" will pick up a mass of debris the size of house! Seriously, my 48" will grab so much that i can not see around it. I have never wished for a wider bite, but often use the corner tines in an attemt to narrow the focus when trying to uproot tree roots. You can't pick up more with a 72 than i can with a 48, but my 48 will out dig your 72 hands down. If uproot trees and clearing land is a common use, go 48". If all you want is a rake on your FEL, then go wider.

And the bucket style is the way to go on a tractor. A skid steer may do ok with the other, but a tractor does not enough pushing power in my opinion to utilize that style.

Simple. A 48" will pick up a mass of debris the size of house! Seriously, my 48" will grab so much that i can not see around it. I have never wished for a wider bite, but often use the corner tines in an attemt to narrow the focus when trying to uproot tree roots. You can't pick up more with a 72 than i can with a 48, but my 48 will out dig your 72 hands down. If uproot trees and clearing land is a common use, go 48". If all you want is a rake on your FEL, then go wider.

And the bucket style is the way to go on a tractor. A skid steer may do ok with the other, but a tractor does not enough pushing power in my opinion to utilize that style.

I think I understand. If I had a 48" grapple and picked up brush and had 1' overhang I would be 72." I am thinking about making a bucket style.

Re: questions about choice of root grapple

After all of the input on this thread, I will get the bucket-style (open bottom) grapple, either a 48 or a 54 (or 56, if I buy the W. L. Long version). I do think that the 48 will pick up anything I need to pick up, and would be better at grubbing out trees, stumps and such. My application includes a good bit of raking loose debris--probably a little more raking than rubbing. Hence my inclination toward a little wider grapple. But I do get it about the utility of the 48, especially for a smaller tractor.

Re: questions about choice of root grapple

I'm due to get the cost quotes today, and I'll report back then. Yes, the FEL is skid steer ready. Actually, our new L3800 is due this week with the FEL with the skid steer quick attachment system. The L3800 will come with a 4N1 bucket from W. R. Long. We sold a kubota M5400 (on which we also had a 4N1 bucket, which I really enjoyed, and a Woods 9000 9' backhoe, detachable with undercarriage mount, which I hardly ever used) and bought the new one. I'm trying to make our tractor arrangements more family-friendly. I was the only one who ever operated the M5400. Great tractor. I wanted the L4600 for the replacement, but other family members preferred the L3800, so that's what is coming. I am looking forward to having the grapple. As I said, I really enjoy the 4N1 bucket, but it is clear to me that the grapple is the better implement for many, maybe most, jobs with the FEL. And yes, I'll post some pics when I get all of this stuff. Thanks again to everyone for the feedback.

Re: questions about choice of root grapple

Originally Posted by HCJtractor

Simple. A 48" will pick up a mass of debris the size of house! Seriously, my 48" will grab so much that i can not see around it. I have never wished for a wider bite, but often use the corner tines in an attemt to narrow the focus when trying to uproot tree roots. You can't pick up more with a 72 than i can with a 48, but my 48 will out dig your 72 hands down. If uproot trees and clearing land is a common use, go 48". If all you want is a rake on your FEL, then go wider.

And the bucket style is the way to go on a tractor. A skid steer may do ok with the other, but a tractor does not enough pushing power in my opinion to utilize that style.

^ I completely agree with THIS assessment of grapple size / style. The width /size of a grapple is one area where more is NOT better. Oftentimes you need to focus your "grubbing" efforts when using a grapple...and a 48" works better in this area. I've never wished for a larger size grapple or for double clamps on the top.

Getting a volume of brush and debris into a 48" grapple is not a problem. I seldom use my dirt bucket anymore.....the grapple does so many chores better.